Germany’s agricultural sector anticipates an average grain harvest in 2025, according to recent assessments by the German Farmers’ Association. The projected total harvest of 43.5 million tonnes represents an improvement over the past two years, exceeding the 39 million tonnes recorded in 2024.
However, the association notes significant yield variations across regions and individual locations. Prolonged and, at times, intense rainfall throughout the growing season has negatively impacted crop quality in many areas.
The harvest of winter wheat, the most significant crop, is estimated at 21.7 million tonnes, substantially higher than the 17.8 million tonnes recorded in 2024. This increase is attributable to both improved yields per hectare and an expansion of the planted area. Despite the gains in volume, the quality of winter wheat has suffered; sprouting has occurred due to the persistent wet weather and protein content is notably down, particularly in certain regions.
Winter barley is also showing modest improvement over the previous year, with a harvest of 9.3 million tonnes compared to 8.9 million tonnes in 2024. The winter rapeseed harvest is expected to reach 3.85 million tonnes, a slight increase from 3.6 million tonnes last year.
Joachim Rukwied, President of the German Farmers’ Association, described this year’s grain harvest as precarious. He highlighted how continuous rainfall during the harvest period significantly disrupted farming operations, with combine harvesters frequently stalled, prolonging the time crops remained in the fields. This situation resulted in localized declines in quality.
Rukwied also pointed to spring drought conditions in northeastern Germany as a contributing factor to yield losses. While the total harvest volume is approaching average levels, it underscores the palpable effects of climate change.
Increasing restrictions on plant protection products are exacerbating challenges for arable farmers. Rukwied emphasized the importance of adequate crop protection, particularly given the high levels of pests and diseases observed this year, stating that effective plant protection is essential for securing safe and healthy food supplies. He warned that supply security is already being jeopardized in several crops.
The picture is mixed for other crops. Satisfactory yields were achieved for early potatoes and cherries, while other crops yielded average results. Autumn-sown crops like maize, sugar beets and various vegetables benefited from the rainfall.
Import pressures, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sectors, are also increasing. Rising labor costs due to minimum wage increases and restrictions on plant protection are further complicating matters for many farms. Significant problems are emerging in apple and lettuce production due to disease and pest infestations. The spread of the European grapevine moth is also creating difficulties due to limited options for farmers.